Weather: Wind gusts, lightning possible this afternoon

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Melbourne warn of the possibility of strong wind gusts and lightning from thunderstorms expected to roll through Central Florida this afternoon.

A "significant weather advisory" has been issued for northern Brevard County, eastern Orange, eastern Seminole and eastern Volusia. It will remain in effect at least until 6:45 p.m.

According to an alert, radar has indicated "a well defined outflow boundary generated by thunderstorms over central Orange and south Seminole counties...moving east on a course to collide with the East Coast Sea Breeze just west of I-95 north of Cocoa."

Areas in the path of the storms include New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach.

"The primary threat will be frequent cloud-to-ground lightning strikes and gusty winds up to 55 mph... which can cause unsecured objects to blow around... snap tree limbs... cause power outages or capsize small boats. Heavy rainfall will temporarily reduce visibility. Seek shelter indoors until the storm passes. Boaters should be aware that strong wind gusts sometimes occur well away from the heavy rain and lightning associated with storms," the NWS said in its alert.